Branson Statement on Summit

24 June 2003

Sir Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Atlantic, said;
“We believe that grounding Concorde and ceasing commercial flights is an act of industrial vandalism. Frankly, we are staggered that British Airways seems intent on riding roughshod over the clear opinion of the industry, the nation and even its own staff and shareholders. BA forgets that it was the nation and not BA that built and paid for Concorde.
“If BA refuse to sell us the aircraft we are keen to help it find a practical solution to keep Concorde flying and continue to allow people to fly on it. Our offer to help fund a charitable trust remains open as does our offer of a “summit meeting” between ourselves, BA and other interested parties.

“We will continue to pursue every option to keep this magnificent aircraft and symbol of all that is great about Britain flying.”——-